Life & Complications

[Lord Dublain McDonald]

Life & Complications
the course of living never did run smooth

i.

Lady Lindall McDonald

As promised Lindall had written the letter to the inhabitants of her home village and estate of Mirrolan, instructing them in both the appointment of a chancellor of the estate, One Thomalin Barret McGregor, a cousin of the Lady Lindall and her late husband Jonus. Thomalin was a good and honest man and she felt confident with appointing him to oversee her estates and the people who lived on the land as her retainers and villagers. To this the letter also offered any and all who wished after the harvest was complete to come to Rassay to begin anew with their Lady who now.. Was the Lady McDonald of Rassay. It was yet to be seen if there would be a exodus of McGregors toward the isle of Rassay, or if they would choose to stay where their home and blood was rooted in the fertile soil of southern Sleat.

This day however found Lindall in the main hall, a large table set up with her behind it as a long line of womenfolk waited to speak with her. This was her interview with the women of Rassay, she was looking for new household staff, a nurse for the baby that would soon be making it’s appearance in the McDonald household, as well as ladies maids and several household maids to help in the kitchens. It had been made apparent upon Lindall’s initial inspection of Dublains ancestral home that it was a bachelors home, with little attention spared to decoration nor the touches that a woman’s hand could bring to a house to make it a home. The larders were not stocked well with preserves, mainly meat smoked and cured, and little vegetables.. No soap had been made of lard and lye for the winter months, and little grain had been stored away for milling.. To this end she would hire many hands this day to see to winters preparation, She was not the kind of woman to rely on the fickle whims of hunting and fishing to see her home thru the winter. Tapestries were needed for the drafty hall, new rushes on the floors and a million other things to make this a proper home for both husband and child on the way.. She was a flurry of activity, hiring and setting to work the women of the village who were idle and needful of work filling the estate to bustling with many hands and energy, it seemed Lindall was nesting.. Or so some of the women whispered as they watched the very pregnant and energetic Lady as she set her home into order.

Now she spoke with each woman who waited in line for the position of ladies maid, midwife and nurse for the child.. Carefully questioning, she selected an middle aged widow woman named Agatha Mollingford as the midwife, and set her chambers near her own. The woman was most grateful for the chance to be of service to the Lady McDonald, and within minutes had taken to her like a mother hen to a fledgling chick. She would be a fixture near Lindall for the foreseeable future, like a caring shadow, something Dublain several young women to be trained as chamber maids and a young mother of three who’s husband died at Broadford riding with Dublain against Carver as the nurse who would help her tend her own baby , the chamber maids were moved into the servants quarters and the Nurse, a mousy brown haired woman of about 25 named, Deirdre and her three children, Tom, lil David and May were moved into a suite of rooms near where the nursery was even now being prepared for the Newest member of the family.

Now she had left to hire some cooks helpers and scullery maids for the preparation of the winter and the preserving of natures bounty in harvest. The day had grown late past the noon hour and a delicate hand pressed against her temple as the day had begun to tire her.. But still she interviewed each woman who had presented themselves for the jobs, giving each one ample opportunity to apply for the positions.. It was a young girl of twelve who suppressed her most, coming to the front of the line after hours of waiting, a two year old child on her hip, a little girl with haunting blue eyes, the color of cool mountain streams, and at her side another child a boy of some 5 years old or so with the same haunting blue eyes, the children all three were dirty and ragged, and seemed consumed with sadness, as if their young lives had been ruined already before it begun.

“ Please sit.. What position do you wish to apply for ?” the question in Lindall’s eyes was plain and yet she did not question the girl of her circumstances, she seemed quite prideful despite her appearance there was a spark in her eye of determination and something in that look spoke to Lindall, deep down in her soul.


“ I come not for position in your household but to deliver to you ye kin” a thin dark brow raised over green eyes that seemed steeled for war.. “ Tis the children of Carver McDonald.. These are, and my mums dying wish they be brought to the new Lady.. For the raising” Lilly McSween leveled a challenging look at Lindall, watching the new Lady McDonald for some inkling of how she would react to the presenting of the younger two children..

“ Sit .. Please “ her hand motioned to the bench across the table from herself, her own green hues swept over the three children who shared some similar traits but it was obvious that Lily was a half sibling to the younger two.. Her hand waved over at a servant who was hovering nearby “ Clear the room and bring these children and myself lunch.. We are going to eat for a while, and for those left in the line see they all have lunch in the kitchen as well.. And let em know the interviews will resume in the morning. “ The servant drifted away as the girl and her siblings settled on the bench across the table from Lindall. Once the room was cleared. She spoke again to the girl.. “ What’s your name and your siblings names as well as your mother?” the question was not strident nor invoking of thinking the girl told a falsehood, indeed it took some amount of courage to present yourself to the Lady of the land, and claim kinship as well as practically demand the two children being taken in.. quite an achievement for a young lady of perhaps twelve summers.

“Lilly McSween, My mother is Treva McSween, her father was the village butcher, but passed last winter of a lasting cough.. ( an country way of describing phenomia) My Papa died when I was young in the wars with the English… and then The McDonald.. Lord Carver took my mum as his woman.. My brother and sister are his though he never gave any of them his name. “ the girl was pretty in a gangly way, but it was her spark of intelligence and determination that captivated Lindall and made her soften toward her almost immediately.. “ My brothers name is Conner and my sisters Caitlin they are both his children.. My mother bade me bring them here, as she has little time left to live,and could not leave her bed.. For the sickness.. She heard that you were holding interviews and I’ve been several times and not passed the gates.. It was my only chance to present them to you “ she watched as bowls of thick stew and bread were place before them all the children’s eyes lifting to her to see if they could eat.. They looked half starved the lot of them and Lindalls heart swelled even more..


“ Let’s say grace “ Lindall smiled reaching across the table to take Lilly and Conner’s hands in hers completing a circle and said a quick prayer over the meal they would share, before taking up her spoon and beginning the noon meal, the younger children dug in , with a gusto that spokes of not a decent meal in some time, while Lily merely looked at the Lady McGregor with ascertaining eyes.. “ Thank you for the meal, but I didn’t come here for a charity meal.. I be upholding my mum’s wishes.. And I need to get back to her “ her bowl of stew was left untouched as she spoke to Lindall.

“Lilly, go ahead and eat and when you and the younger ones are done we shall all go and see your mother, and see what can be done for her.. You will understand my need to speak with her and see to her well being “ a gentle smile was offered to the girl as she then begin to hurriedly eat her meal.. during which time Lindall had a servant arrange for a carriage and a healer to await them.


Soon enough Healer children and the Pregnant Lady McGregor were on their way down to the village, winding cobbled streets thru the seaside village to a ramshackle house in dire need of repair and paint.. Yet outside on the windowsill flowers bloomed in pots painted bright colors, a lazy yellow cat sunned itself on a lopsided bench, where toys of young children were left for later. Inside Treva McSween lay dieing, coughing into a rag, bright specks of blood, unknown to the people of the time what caused it, it was merely referred to as consumption.. But was indeed.. Cancer. Once the doorway had opened, Lindalls heart constricted at the sight of the young woman stricken and now pale and dying, the scent of death in the house was pungent, as a close friend tended her.. The healer moved to her side and began his examination as Lindall moved to the kitchen putting away the food and things she had brought for the household.. Outside the two younger children played in the late afternoon sun, and the sweet sea air, now their belly’s full and content, yet the sadness still clung to them, they had not been spared the knowledge their mother was dying.. Lindall stood at the doorway, as Lily made tea to ease her mothers pain, the look of both anguish and despair on her young face, wiped away as she pasted on a smile when she entered her mothers room..

The Healer shook his head softly at Lindall.. “ She has hours Milady tis nothing to be done, but make her comfortable and send for a priest.. I’ve dosed her with laudanum.. She should be pain free for a while.. I’ll fetch a priest and send a nurse to sit with her, and help her with the pain “ his hand patted Lindalls softly “Tis a good thing you do seeing to her.. Your surely to be blessed “

Lindall watched him go with a nagging unease.. “ This woman was dying , leaving her children behind and she was to be blessed… how unfair could that be.. Was she blessed merely because she brought some food and a healer to a dying woman’s home.. Poppycoke! The rest of the evening and into the night saw Lindall in the McSween home, the children ate dinner then settled around the hearth while Lily read to them from the bible.. And Lindall spent time with Treva at her side.. By Mornings light, the last breath taken by Treva McSween was to beg Lindall to take care of her children, the children of Carver McDonald, her husbands blood.. And somewhere in the night Lindall had already taken on this task.. Reliving Treva of her cares and worries, and holding her hand until at last she suffered no more..

The nurse had gone to rouse the undertaker, and Treva McSweens body was taken away for preparation for burial as her three children watched with red rimmed eyes and cheeks streaked with tears.. “ She shall have a proper burial in the McDonald Plot at the church.. And you all will come home with me” coins had been given to the nurse to see to a new dress and a proper coffin for Treva McSween.. Treva had sparked a common thread in Lindall, a love for family and children that would hold death at bay until she was assured they would be taken care of.. And she finally found rest in Lindalls oath that not only would she see Connor and Caitlin raised as McDonalds but Lily as well. All three children would be fostered into the McDonald Household. As the Carriage arrived at Rassay Castle, affectionately known as “ the Old Man by the sea” it was an ancient castle, handed down McDonald to McDonald for eons, going back to the Norse occupation of the Isle, that were practically myth now. It weathered and aged face scarred by storms and wars, a few chinks in it’s granite armor, that would soon undergo the renaissance she had already started in the castle, and be patched and finished back to it’s former Glory.. Her husband would have a proper home, a home worthy of his Name and she would see to it.

As the Children were settled into their new rooms, and the newly hired Agatha and the Nurse Deidra were seeing to baths and proper clothes for them Lindall went to her room and lay across the bed in contemplation of what she had done.. She was exhausted both physically and emotionally from a night without sleep, comforting a dying woman.. And swearing to see to her children’s lives as if they were her own.. Her heart wept both for Treva McSween as well as the three children upstairs that were now without parents of any blood relation. As she lay there across their bed, her mind turned to Dublain who was gone on a trip to Turas Lan to over see plans for docks and ships.. What would he make of all this, would he deny her the oath she had sworn to a dying woman.. Would he be angry with her.. Now doubts nagged her, that she should have waited to make such a commitment. Such a new and wondrous love they shared was still young and untried in the ways of marriage, and while she normally was content to abide by being a dutiful wife, and following the conscripts of a Man being the King of his home, she had in this instance followed her heart completely, and without question.. Surely God had moved though her to make these children a home and allow a mother peace in dying.. Her hand lay over her own belly where her child grew, Dublain had taken this child as his own.. Would he be able to offer the same to Carvers children.. Or would he hate the very idea.. These were the thoughts that plagued her and kept her from sleep the rest of the afternoon.. And when the Next day arrived and her husbands small skiff would dock, rumors of her affairs would already be circulating.. While at home she and the Children prepared for their mothers funeral..

Again Dublain would find his wife wearing black..

Lord Dublain McDonald


Turas Lan placed the MacDonalds in the shadow of Kings. From the window of Raasay Castle a son of McDonald could see his lineage's old due and to the other side could see the realm of the King they all once served. It was a strange place to position the remnants of a proud family, but there it was. Once the sons of McDonald ruled all of the Isles. Now they were fortunate to have even a fragment to carve out a new life. The task of building the next era from the ruins of dynasty fell on the shoulders of Dublain mac Dhugal. The fog settled on his shoulders, damp and slick, over the weight of a fur mantle. At the moment his back was to Raasay as he faced the opposite way, detailing the last of building to be done to improve the warehouses that would hold ship skeletons from harm during the autumn rains. If one could always construct life with the ease in which the son of Dhugal made oceanic things, than the MacGregor would not own Sleat. The McDonalds would still be there in Armadale, but their family was not as firm as the nails driven in to the skeletons of ships. Most of the family now remained the skeleton; incomplete, hollow, and empty. On the Raasay and two Ronas the McDonalds of Skye stood a chance to be more. His opinion was appreciated alongside the Harbor Masters. Hands were shaken across tables as men asked of him to repair the ships brought in to dock for the season, made talk of things to begin when spring came again. They talked of trade, too, of bartering good, strong wood. In this way he pulled himself far out of any shadow to be distinct.

On Raasay the woods were a blanket of color. The doe and stag bent their head down to eat of the grass shoots still easy to see as lone hawks flue overhead. Nets were flung out to wriggling, silver fish. He rowed his boat from the capital back toward Raasay in the calm of a gray morning, looking out to see the likes of fisherfolk at their tasks. In the other settlements, people would be crofting. What had Lindall made, he wondered, at the smallness of the island, of the people that lived on it in comparison to what could be placed in the budding south? In truth some of the McDonalds under his sway still prefered the capital for its access to the larger island, or the Scottish coasts. Raasay still became the heart of everything to begin again. Had any shown her the places where they crofted in the settlements, growing hearty vegetables while other patches were used to graze animals? He laughed to himself. No doubt she thought the lot of them would starve. "Probably purchased enough grain tae be as if we were a farm," he reflected aloud as the boat was tied off. "Probably did all sorts o' wot nay. Will nay know m'stead anymore." Dublain didn't count it as a bad thing, though. He was ready for change. In the boat with him were the only two servants he had a care for coming. Agatha and Ryan had been assigned to a man who would all but have lost his head if it weren't for the generosity of the monarchy. They served him so well that he wished to see Agatha placed as the head of the household. She was good, sensible, well humored. Seemed to favor both the Lord and his new wife well, where Ryan? Well, in a moment of softness he'd taken a fondness for the boy. He was Agatha's nephew, but he would see he was given a proper education, and that he would be prepared to be a servitor to the family. It'd improve his chances at other things, he'd said to them. On disembarking the three of them were bombarded with news of the activity. "Seems as though the Lady's quick to begin! Good lady indeed what became your wife sir. Come, Ryan, lets get ourselves up there and see what end is up aye? We'll be introduced to the lady again and then straight to work with us!"

They walked up the crags from the shoreline to the road leading to the castle. It was old, imposing. A fortress that became a place of residence in the wake of Norman conquests. As they walked the road he told them the history as he knew it: Once the isle was kept by McSweens, but for some reason they resettled elsewhere on the isle. Then it fell in to the stewardship of one of the Templar Knights, his friend, Robert Frail. Having sequestered rebellions on it, as did the last men before him, when it passed to the keeping of the McDonald, it was actually before the revolts that forced them to move to the far North, let alone their numbers proved the clan had indeed fractured. "We still make dae Agatha, we make Dae, we are quite a fair number here in the islands. Small but good folk. The life is far simpler than in Sleat, n' twas needed. Returned us tae ourselves. Our senses. It is easy for them tae become clouded with power" Up, up the road the trio walked where as others came down, down the words of the last pair of days came with them. He heard inklings of the inside of his home being turned anew, and the outside of it teeming with changes. Whisper of death had him concerned it was on the interior of his house. Was it one of the servants, one of his closest council? No, it was a woman. As he came through the door he saw many women now intermingling with men hard at work. He was prepared for that change. He smelled heavy soaps, saw brushes scrubbing at the floors.

Agatha and Ryan found their places well enough with little guidance, it was something he favored the most of the pair, seeming intuative afer having served him for weeks already. "I will show ye tae the Lady in a moment, move about the place, familiarize yerself with it, n' those here will answer your questions." He would address the new servants later but for now he was a presence moving over their shoulders with little regard for how strange it could feel. He studied their work, nodding at his approval. The Lady McDonald was skilled at finding capable hands. He even smelled the preperation of warm food. Still he was not without opinion. "I trust ye will see tae it a fire's tended oft now. Have a mind with the where the fire escapes. Tis an old castle. Stir it nae tae much or the smoke will pour out at ye." or "Have a care with tha' table, nay, clean it, twill remain. Some things are beyond this castle, n' they will be made due." Oh, as any he was attached to his plain ways, but a fitting home would not be a horrible thing. It meant that a new life could begin on the Isle, the new life he began when he met the woman brave enough to touch his face. The deeper he moved through the castle and the more change he saw, the more he learned of the story. A little girl named Lily McSween had come baring her two younger siblings with a tale that offset the old man's steps. It required a man to tell it to him, because a women would simper at the discomfort his face twisted in as he listened. Lily had come with the two young siblings foretelling the inevitable death of her mother, who had been a mistress of Carvers. She begat two children of Carver. The lady had gone to see this for herself, and now the woman was not only dead but being prepared for burial within the McDonald plot of the church. A church that had all but fallen to ruin, one that he had paid for the stone to be quarried for, placed, and built so that it was as fitting as anything they had all left behind in Sleat. A church he, a McDonald had built with his own two hands as every man here could claim. The fate of the children - to be fostered as McDonald's, raised as their own?

"M'Lord..."
He lifted his hand for silence, and recieved it. Breathing in he stood up and walked toward his rooms of solace. "Fetch the Lady tae m'chambers." From the corner of his eye he saw her, attired in the black that kept rising to constantly mock him. "Death should have enough fookin' bodies," he grimaced to himself. Her body was fetching in shades that matched her personality. A personality that was warm, sweet, tender. Any woman could broker a challenge but this was a challenge he wasn't prepared for of her. In fact he looked at the world through eyes like a bull that saw a sheet of red. Inside of the study he leaned against the cold stone of the mantle but found no relief from his inner heat. Unlike the rest of the castle, this room bore signs of personality. The books he owned were all herein, the scrolls and papers orderly. Minatures of ships built with as much care as the large predacessors were arranged on shelves, and even some uniquely in glass bottles. Now his fingers touched a compass rose, divining true North with his fingertips. By the time she arrived he contained himself enough not to burst in to a flurry at the mere sight of her in that damned black. Maybe he was angry a little at fate. Could he not leave for but a day without something else to mourn for on this damned island?

"Yer graciousness needs tae know a bounds," the flat voice hadn't even bid her good day. "I have heard o' wot has occurred in the last pair o' days. It pleases me nay tae keep more young issue about nor tae foster them, let alone in a claim tha' is unstudied. Have yer way o' carin for the dead n' dyin, the sick. Care ye ,fer the young, but dun nay think tha' the halls o' this castle will be a foundlin' house. I'm nay gaein tae be long of it, ye aren't green. I will look on these children m'self, they will remain sae long as tae be cared for n' seen tae health proper. When they are looked o'er letters will proceed the lot o' them n' if it suits me tae find it? Ah may see them fostered on the mainland with a suitable house. Ye be thankful they will nay be made in tae more than servants, which could be the fate tha' would await them otherwise. They will not have the McDonald name. They will remain McSween. If there were anythin left n' Broadford I'd send the lot tae them but as it is the McSweens are piecin themselves taegether which is a plight ye should well appreciate." He could cut skin with the tone of his voice. His hand rolled in to a fist more than once, squeezing, clenching. "I trust if such a thing comes tae this house in the future ye will write a letter n' summon me back tae address the matter a CHIEFTAIN addresses. Such as his name, his ancestry." He put his hands behind his back, chest expanding as he breathed. "N' if tha' dead woman is nay in the ground yet, she should be buried where there are other McSweens on the island. If tha' plot be open than ye will be thankful if I dun nay have it covered again. She is not a McDonald! She will gae on the borders o' the plot, as tae blend with the others." On that he did slam his hand down on the desk , "N' ye seek tae bury her near the lords n' their wives, sisters, n' fathers and uncles with such? Wot crawls in yer mind tae allow such a thought! Any of it, without seekin the approval o'the man who sits on Raasay? Who bled tae make it sae, with wot ye now must stop tae consider?" He would come to sit at the desk, looking at her, studying her "There it is. They will not stay long, but they will be cared for. They will nay have this name. Our name is nay tae be given freely. It is not a church alm. Especially over a matter tha' could well even hurt wot ye seek tae save. The last it needs be said is tha' Carver managed tae make a whore o' a woman who came tae Raasay n' begat n her bastards who would indeed be stared at fer tha' or if ye think tha' Raasay is without its harsh eyes ye be wrong. Let alone if there be any truth tae the matter. It is done. Attend tae her burial, after which I will look upon the children.Dun nay ask me tae let them stay on as it will nay happen. They are leaving as soon as a place on the mainland is secured with a haste. N' caution me nay tae their plight nor tae matters o' Christian way, nor charity, or care, or harshness, or any o' it."

[Lord Dublain McDonald]

ii

Lady Lindall McDonald

She had frowned when the servant had come to fetch her, finding his demonor and skittishness a bad omen, to be summoned.. like a servant.. one eyebrow lifted, as she told the children to go ahead and gather in the carriage.. for they were already late to the church where they would lay their mother to rest.. quick strides, well as quick as her pregant form could manage moved to his study opening and closing the door with the gentleness that prevaded her person.. and then he barked at her, like a dog on a leash, hammering his fist on the desk telling her what would be.. and how it would be and proclaiming over his name.. his ancestors.. of whores and names.. written on stones.. she stood silent under his assault not offering any excuse or explanation, no hint of what she was thinking on her face, save for the emerald eyes that seemed to hardend a bit with each word flung her way... her hands went from her sides to cross over her middle as he finished.. and that damnable brow was lifted as high as it was physically possible.. " If the though of a woman who bore you nephews children laying with your ancestors offends your delicate sensibilites then I shall see her moved.. but I gaurentee that none of those already in the ground would begrudge her a final resting place.. as those already gone on to Heaven have no such predejuice against the living.. " her fingers crossed over her chest in a matter of forgiveness for her slight blashphemy.. she would confess and pay pennance later.. " As for the children.. you are right.. I failed you, I failed to consult you and as I have made this mess then I will tend it.. trouble yourself no more over it.. you needn't even look upon them.. Come morning I will send them to Mirrolon.. My cousins will foster them, " unsaid.. was the fact that that was what family was for.. for counting on in bad situations, and no matter what.. to take care of the younger generation " My money will see to their raising.. you needn't spend a shilling" her hands fell to her sides.. her chin tiltling up a bit definalty.. " i'm going to the funeral now,as I gave my word to see her buried christian like on her death bed.. and I intend to see it done.. When I return, I would appreciate a list of things I'm allowed to do and nay allowed to do so I dont overstep my bounds again with YOUR name or what YOU stand for her on Rassay. " her whole body trembled.. with innate rage, before she moved to turn grasping the door knob she would not cry before him, not even as humilated as she was.. the door swung open... Now she had to find servants to dig another grave.. how horrible for those children...(d)


Lord Dublain McDonald

Women were overdramatic creatures. This said of a man who had thundered. What would be done of it, when the man had risen from his seat, gone to the door, and instructed "Ah wasn't done, Lady McDonald, come back." Or would she continue to pace away like an indignant horse? He remained with arched brow. Let it be done quick, let it be painful if women feel pain but let it be a quick blow. "ye may 'ere the reasons now n' then gae about yer affairs. Twill be somethin tae think on as ye dae." He waited patiently now that he had blow himself empty, though the fire still shone hard in his eyes. As if in good expectation of the obvious the dragon went back in his cave. Dublain sat in the chair, waiting. He had spent a lifetime waiting for her - for a chance at redemption for his people - to not feel the pain he felt merely breathing. The anger cleared to leave merely the man underneath. It was a hard bit of stone, that man (d)


Lady Lindall McGregor

She stopped upon his orders and turned round moving back into his study.. standing just outside the doorway.. " Ask me nicely " her chin lifted a scant bit higher, good thing it wasn't raining outside or she would have drowned.. " as a man ask his wife, not as he orders his servants " her back stiffened.. in her challenge.. her eyes locked with his.. She was normally easy to get along with, but his bellowing and treating her like a possession.. or little less than a servant in the way he ordered her about sat in her craw like a stone.. she almost pushed the issue by saying be quick about it she had things to do.. but instead stood there awaiting his decision.. if he wanted to speak to his wife.. he would treat her thusly.. if he wanted to speak to a chattle and a servant he would see her backside headed to a funeral, swaying back in forth in the hated black fabric (d)


Lord Dublain McDonald

"Ah've not yelled. Sae come within, sae should it please the Lady tae dae sae." He remained seated in his chair after her chin lifted, viewing her by half in the detested black garments. Why did death stalk heals of people who had been so long surrounded in death? Questions attached themselves like cobwebbing on otherwise clean walls. What did she expect of him? His tenderness expressed had never been the sort of poets nor in expressing pleasure had he ever stumbled or begged. An earnest man, ye used the word please in a comely way but would certainly not chase her about as a lovesick child. Fingers formed familiar steeples as he turned to look on her. Well? A choice would be had. She felt as chattle to be passed over and directed with the farmer's stick was not of his affair. Nor was it his intention. She wasn't his servant yet by what expectation had she not given that such as he'd expressed would not be done? (d)


Lady Lindall McDonald

She stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind her coming to stand again before his desk, her eyes never leaving his face.. her arms at her side not in a cross of defense over her belly, though her fist did clench and unclench as she came before him again.. the color in her cheeks was not that of maidenly blush of adoration or passion he had seen afore, but a full flush of anger, that made the corners of her eyes tighten as well as her full mouth draw taut and into a line.. " I await your words husband " the phrase was not uttered with malice nor sarcasm, just a bland emotioness aqeisence to his request for her to return to the room (d)

Lord Dublain McDonald

"Ah was cross with ye, still am." He offered her a seat with a hand if she designed to take it but women oft stood resolute like red, enflamed birds or so was a man's understanding. "The shock o' wot happened led me tae a heavy anger. Fer the way the words were toned is where ye will find me sorra. Tis now how one should speak with a woman, nor a man tae his wife. Yet Ah'm nay the only man tha' has. Ah'm sure." Let her gaze be level. Single sighted eye held her in their depths, letting her swim in them. Many would be drunk off a woman's beauty. Even angered he thought her no less beautiful but let us find who's indignation was greater "Ah said I will see them, sae they will be seen after the funeral, n' proper care takin. There be traits tha' are distinctly McDonald tha' have followed fer generations now tha' will allow me tae properly tell. A way tha' one acts. It be a dangerous thing, wife," he went on, "Tae believe it outright. Twill nay be the first story told o' someone's kith or kin. Children are nay wrought with intention. Their caretakers often are though. N' if tha' child is nay McDonald, than the extent o' such charity enables others a way in. People are nay beneath usin children tae ursurp. Angus was takin in such tales as tha'. False heirs, thought his daliances cost him n' instead o' leavin it tae pass he paid nay less than six from ten until ten n' six only tae find the child was nay his at all. Fosterage acquired, the money was nay longer needed as he'd found his own opportunities with the help o' his caretaker. But it ruined Angus for a good while. He did nay stop tae look. " Worthwhile education. Would she see it that way? He didn't know. Often it was where women would say how could one be so heartless, so cruel. "Ye may have yer run o' the home forthwith n' have done well at tha'. All Ah bring forth is a good head o'er the servants. Agatha, and Ryan, as a page. They served us both well elsewhere. Ah do not fault yer chairty nor graciousness, Lindall. But ye are nay equipped with all the tools tae make such decisions fer these children. If they prove MacDonald, send them tae the mainland. Yer promise thus be kept. If ye think it tae o'erbarin already Ah will let ye send them hence tae Miralon and I will provide with some provision set aside fer their care, done discretely. Aye, it is my name. Now it is yer name, tae. Ye are on Raasay for a reason, because my predacessors did nay think on naught but plots n' excess or rash. Ye may act with yer heart but as a McDonald now, takes a great pause. Ah'm nay a poor man, nor is it apoor name but those on Raasay n' Rhona, some o' them once had grand grants o' land. We are a small people now where once we sat large. Tha' must be preserved at all costs. Ye would argue at the costs o' childen aye e'en tha'...fer ye can nay be sure those are Carvers children. Again, Ah'm sorra fer the quality o' the words, the tone, but nay the meanin which is these are your people now. Look at them, when ye stand in tha' grave yard. Read their names. They are a good, strong yet on a fragile thing slowly buildin. N' those children would be on a fragile standin' tae..just for the name they would carry. It matters. They would be better off as McSweens in this sense. One less thing tae haunt them as they grow. If it should sae please ye, ye may gae. Leave the grave where ye put it." He started to write for work was never finished. Yet, he tuned his head over his shoulder, "ah will ask, with more care this time..tha' ye dun label her headstone mcDonald. Let it stay McSween." He said no more with that. Silence echoed as much as his anger did. All aspects of him were intense. One could only surrender to so much change. (d)

Lady Lindall McGregor

She was about to ask if being bullheaded and loud was one of those traits but swallowed the urge as he , had just before apoligized for the tone of his words to her, and continued on with a history lesson, and an easier way about him.. when he turned from her and begin writing.. she took a moment to pause.. mulling over her next words before moving to his side.. Quickly she dropped a kiss upon his cheek.. pressing it tightly there and holdling it for a moment.. "As you wish husband " her hand lay on his shoulder a moment before she turned to go.. " I will be back by dinner, and the children will dine with us so you may look upon them without them knowing they are being judged.. they have been thru enough the past few days than to endure an humlitating examination.. " she stopped at the door as she spoke then carried on.. was it over or was it just beginning.. they both had much to think upon it seemed. (d)

Lord Dublain McDonald

In a sense it may have been. At least he took the tone in to consideration as something to amend, though he could not amend the content. His name was as precious an entity as the castle by the sea. Anything, anything could make the world topple. So he thought. A child's plaything a whole life and lineage had become in the wrong hands left to him to rebuild. "Aye then, Ah shall see ye at supper." He canted his head accepting her affection with a softer voice but not a smile. One thing at a time (d)

Lady Lindall McDonald

The Funeral had gone as funerals do, sad things that marked the end of one life, and left behind other lives that would now forever be missing some piece of themselves.. Lindall held the smallest child in her arms, only two the little golden haired girl had fallen asleep during the graveside ceramony.. true to her word the woman was buried right and proper, and when the last shovel of earth was packed onto the grave, the children were shuttled into the carriage, while Lindall stopped the gravedigger and paid him, also making sure the McSween name would appear on the headstone as her husband had requested.. it was a short ride back to the Castle by the Sea.. a solemn thing that had not only the children greiving and in deep thoughs on what their future bore, but Lindall also had some thought of her own on that matter, and grieved the loss of already the tender innocence that had been her days with Dubalin to herfore.. and were perhaps gone now for good.. She shivered thinking on that loss.. what if he never looked at her with love again.. when she left him he barely looked at her, and not even offered a smile.. when the carriage came to a stop.. she helped the children out.. " Go wash up.. and come back down to Dinner.. The Lord McDonald wishes to meet you all " she tried to sound chipper, even enthustiatic.. god knew these children had been through enough... once inside they moved off to their rooms to wash and change into something less drab.. Lily pausing at the bottom of the stairs as Conner and Caitlyn were taken up by one of the Maids.. " Lady Lindall.. is aught wrong with thee... you look sad?" Lindalls heart almost broke.. the girl had lost her mother and she was worried over Lindalls wellbeing.. two steps and she crossed over to the girls side.. hugging her tighlty " I'm sorry Lily.. I should be comforting you, and seeing to your needs.. funerals always put me in a melencholy mood.. I've been to far to many in the past few months.. " she pressed a kiss to the dark haired girls forehead.. " Go go on and change and come down for dinner.." she smiled soflty... and winked to the girl watching her go up the stairs.. (d)


Lord Dublain McDonald


Dublain did not attend the funeral because he would not come down so far as to stand at the grave of a woman who's could body could still wield harm from beyond death. It wasn't he blamed her, only that he blamed circumstance for not allowing him to be the Lord of his lands. By face could he have ascertained her truth. Now it was going to be packed beneath the cold earth, marked by a name on stone never to be seen again. His body stayed in the chair while his arms moved to encompass one another on the desk. Leaning forward, he brought two shoulders for mountains to loom with long shadows over the wood he had carved to form the thing supporting the weight of generations. Being tired was not a state of being to admit to, yet he was just that. Closing his eyes he exhaled enough air to fill the sail of a frigate.

In his home would walk two children with gossip following behind them like ghosts. No one would say it aloud in the castle, of this he would see to. Beyond the stoic, ancient fortress was another matter entirely. He could not govern every fact of every mind in the small island set. To a child, the words they said could sound as hundreds where only two stood. To a man it had been no different. He racked his hands through his long, unbound hair. To ask him in the process he would have said he felt where hair turn white from gray, and gray from brown. In the great hall plates were being laid down beside bowls of water for washing hands between courses. Water goblets were placed beside those for other beverages of choice. For supper, a boar hunted from the forest would be prepared with an offering of carrots, turnips, and wild mushrooms. Black bread came hot from the oven. Agatha in her new position saw that a fitting supper would be turned out for the heads of a fitting home.


Mistress Agatha McHugh



"Thank God he married eh? No larder would have been proper without a proper woman. The hunting isn't bad though, turned out well!" Agatha was pleased as prim punch, directing what ought go where. She felt that to know the Lord McDonald she might come to know more of the lady he married. Lindall struck her as a sensible, goodly woman. "I'll tell the Lord m'self that supper is laid out, why don't you tell her Ladyship eh?" Funerals made for sadness, but a full belly could be a cause of celebration. From her understanding there were children as guests who were sorely underfed and a woman with child whom always needed to eat. The man of the house, what of him? Dublain looked at the low burning fire when the older woman went to knock on the frame of his slight open door. No one else dared approach it, as if the islands king would sentence any to death that dare invaded his sanctuary. "Me Lord, the evening meal's been laid out in the great hall. Another went to get the lady wife n' small ones. What are ye about?" The door was pushed open more. To her surprise Dublain stared not only at the same fixed point, but didn't acknowledge her presence at all. "Supper, my lord. Come away from tha' now and come to it or you'll worry your wife. I hear your to turn a weathered eye on the children. Wise eye tha' it is."

Lord Dublain McDonald

He turned his head over his shoulder and for the first time that day offered some facimile of a smile again. Lindall should have had it first, but he wasn't as well placed to wear a merrier turn ought to go. At the very least, he wouldn't attend supper a complete beast. "Ye think sae aye? Dun nay think the King made a mistake in keepin m'head where it be?" The walking stick came to the castle floor, supporting the rise of his weight while Agatha just looked at him as if such a statement were just invoking God's want of a strike.

Mistress Agatha McHugh

"O'course he made the right choice! It is hardly like ye tae doubt the King sae,, sir. It not bein' m'place and pardon, but ye ought nay. Now all will amend itself. I'll just gae see tae it tha' her ladyship needs nay help!" Her ability to continue on despite the ever-changing cycle of moods thrown her way seemed as good as any reason to see her placed beside his Steward, a half dour man with a half sense of humor. Agatha being an astute woman with a full born sense of humor only rivaled by her serious sense of perfection he would see called Seneschal.

The whisper of a stern discouse twixt Lord and Lady had reached the mouths of servants who whispered over them in hushed tones as not to disrupt the decorum of the old halls or bring admonishment down on themselves for being too bold if others could see. Mistress Agatha McHugh wasted no time learning her way around the main floor, the great hall, the lower kitchens and larders, the lesser receiving hall and one built within the last ten years that came to be called a winter parlor. While not all had the advantage of separate rooms, a great many on the isle had risen levels and separate places for rest. In doing so she met other chamber maids and waiting ladies. She saw where the nursery would be, where the Lord's chambers were, and the Lady's apartments, upkept should she elect to use them. There was a room given to the small guests, and though small by virtue it seemed that the nooks and crannies of the Old Man by the Sea were well built and used. Content with her knowledge, she set about to her original purpose by knocking on the Lord's chambers, where both man and wife slept of late. "M'lady are ye within? It is Agatha McHugh, madame. Come tae tell ye the evenin' meal is laid upon the table with all the place settings n' his lordship will be awaiting you n' the small guests. Need ye any assistance?" Fights could make a woman doubt herself, and funerals could make them bury self confidence alongside the cold dead. Dublain was as welcoming as an empty hearth, so she hoped his wife would not be as accomadating as a limp fish. She seemed made of better stuff than young fluff, though. She knocked upon the door again, not taking the leave to open it. That'd be impertinent, even if she could do such a thing.


Lady Lindall McDonald



Come in" her voice sounded tired but not beaten as she answered the second knock upon the door.. she was sitting before the dresser, removing the pins from her hair, wearing it down as her husband preferred, gone was the black dress of mourning she had worn to the funeral in it's place a subdued yet fetching deep green gown, trimmed in golden embrodiery about the neck and empire waist.. long strokes of the brush tamed the cinnimon mane into long strands of silk that glimmered in the mute firelight of their room.. Upon moving in Lindall had not made use of the Lady's apartments save to store the many trunks and things the arriving servants had brought for her, including a sizable amount of clothing, that she wore before her figure blossomed with childbearing. Instead she balked at conformation and convention and slept and kept herself in her husbands room.. to be nearer him.. as Agatha poked her head in their eyes met in the mirror for a moment and Lindall offered her a soft smile.. " Has his Lordship been advised of dinner?" there was more to the question but her pride would not allow her to question a servant of her own husbands mood, or discontent.

Mistress Agatha McHugh

Agatha McHugh knew a thing or three about pride; it was no small bit of glad tidings or prosperity's blessing that brought one of the McDonald Sleat sept to work where the old Lords found themselves on new ground. It was a fine suite of rooms to be sure. It wasn't her place either to question where anyone slept so long as she had a place to sleep, a set of keys to open doors, and a place to keep up. "His Lairdship knows o' supper and has gone tae wash his hands and face before sittin' down. Ye look very pretty this evenin', my lady. Need ye any assitance with the small company or be they all settled n' seen to?" Hands crossed before the front of her, awaiting instruction, dismissal, or question. In other places unseen by two sets of female eyes, the Lord of the castle had washed his hands and face with water brought to him just before the great hall doors. The fur mantle was taken off, and a doublet of deep forest green and brown was put on in its place. (d)

Lady Lindall McDonald

They are all washed up and awaiting me to come for them.. you can go down and let his Lordship know we are on our way " she smiled, standing and smoothing out the dress over her belly.. patting it soflty.. then speaking " Thank you Agatha.. for the compliment.. a hard day does not often warrant thoughts of being pretty " she blushed soflty, thinking the older woman was perhaps just being kind, and knew that she was aliken too Daniel walking into the lions den, to meet with her disastified and
disgruntled husband.. another smile was offered to Agatha, one that stiffeened the spine and set about an armor over her heart should she have need of it in the coming moments.. before she left the room to go the short distance to collect the children.. It would be some few minutes later that she would appear at the doorway of the dining hall, Caitlyn holding her hand, Conner and Lily not a step behind.. for all the world looking like a little family.. at first blush.. but when eyes looked deeper, they would see the unease and fear of uncertainty that was lodged in all but the youngest childs eyes, as she was too young to really understand, but was still fretful with the unease of the emotions she sensed in those around her. Conner lifted his sea blue eyes to Lindall, for reassurance, and Lily mearly looked as if she wished to be anywhere but here... for she had heard gossip in the halls of the unrest she and her siblings had caused the lady Lindall.. (d)


Mistress Agatha McHugh



"Aye then, I will do just that! You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. Oft a hard day warrants nothin' but what it is , hard, some merely try to be pretty. You succeed at it well enough without any help, some things are just God given." The belly had grown since last she saw it! "Not too far away aye? That will bring some color to this gray place." With naught less than a bonified smile of angelic proportion, Angela strolled away to maintain her affairs as if no one ought have a thing to worry about. Women in arms, no?


Lord Dublain McDonald

At the door to the great hall, Dublain had not seated himself yet at the head of the table but remained by the doors so that he might be privy to who was coming towards him. In the doublet of forest colors he looked a humbler man of wealth instead of an imposing man of ancient station. "Good eve, wife," he bid her, giving her a half flex of his body before turning his eyes down to the children. Their fate, so small like them, in his massive hands. Breathing inward he looked down to behold the oldest girl, Caitlyn, holding Lindall for dear life. The smallest ones, the ones fabled to be a part of a long, sordid lineage faultered on uncertain steps. "N' Good eve, you all. Supper is laid, let us tae it. I'm sorry for your loss this day. God rest your mother's soul." Gruff voice boomed even in low volume, intimidating to any, child or adult. He would allow them to pass by him first and find seats before he would seat himself at the head of his table. Perhaps in a surprise Lindall would not have thought possible, his eyes were discrete in how he began to ascertain their features. In earnest his first glance was to her before all else. Cinnamon hair unbound caught his attention to where the parts of him calmed found it fetching. Alas, all the attention could not be given her as it belonged to the company of wee players in a melodrama she brought with her to supper (d)



Lady Lindall McDonald

She almost flinched at the lack of warmth in his greeting.. but followed his lead in a stiff curtsey that went as deep as her condition allowed, all three children mimicked the lady, the younger two lifting their eyes to him curiously, while the dark haired youth Lily stared straigh ahead.. " Good Evening husband" her tone was as formal as his, her back stiffening even more as she rose..her chin tilting upward as he offered condolences to the children.. the high color in her cheeks not that of maidenly blush nor wifely need, but more of hurt and ire at the cool properness of his tone..

Lily McSween

"Thank you for the graciousness of your table and your home Lord McDonald " Lily spoke soflty but with a modicum of manners and grace as he offered the remenents of her family the bounty of his table.. she took Conners hand and led him to where three plates were set side by side.. seating him on one side and turning to settle the smallest child at her other..yet she herself remained standing until Lindall took her own seatacross from the children and at Dublains right. She looked up at the Lady with a smile.. as she eased into her seat.. She had often seen that uncomfortable look on her moms face in the last weeks before Caitlyn's birth.. and knew well how women in that stage were prone to little pains and discomfort.. " Are you alright Lady ?" she ventured without thinking on the improprity of it..

Lady Lindall McDonald

Lindall had taken her seat, finding the child withing kicking all the sudden like a mule, for the last two days there had been little pains that the midwife assured her were normal, espcially with such a big belly as hers.. and all the moving and cleaning that Lindall had seen to herself.. pitching in with the servants, she was heard to say more than once, " I shan't ask you to do something I wouln't do myslef.. I'm not a porceline doll " in the past days to servants that tried to shoo her away from the duties of a Lady of the Castle.. She smiled over at Lily,, there was something about the girl she seemed to find a kinship with, perhaps it was the nuturer in her, the need to see to others and family before oneself.. but whatever it was she liked Lily, and admired her for taking care of her younger siblings in such troubled times. " I'm fine Lily... She settled into her seat and smiled soflty offerng the children a wink.. "my what a grand dinner we have.. you will all sleep well tonight with full bellies I think" she tried to sound as if it were just a normal dinner and their fates did not hang in the balance.. one thing was sure, Lindall had given her word they would be cared for, and no matter the outcome of this judging, she would do just that..(d)


Lord Dublain McDonald

The one who claimed with assurance the children were McDonald was the eldest, Lily, the carrier of her mother's fina wishes. "You're welcome." Lindall shouldn't be so offended, given the stiff formality was spread out in varying degrees to all. At least he was fair. He spied her eyes one more time to find the pain inside of them beside the lovliness not lost on him. An odd man that could look at the world through two perspectives with one eye, he would help her to rise if she'd accepted his hand before they all went to partake of the food. He stood until all were seated, finding his voice caught at the prospect of Lindall not being well. Was it common? Her face had a look of tiredness that had not been before at Dun Darroch or Eliean Donan. Servants spoke of a woman who came to bended knee to clean corners, stood on her toes to shake free dust from the tapestries. "Are you certain ye are well, m'lady? " Was the concern evident or did he sound as stoic as before? It wasn't on purpose. "Ye should have an ease about ye now, there is much tae see to n' change here but let it come with time. Nothin' e'er comes about in one day. I should like it much if ye would nay strive tae burdern yerself o'er much.There are many who will help ye." Only when the world was collected with no falling pieces did he find his seat with slow, careful placement. "Let us 'ave prayer." He clasped his hands together, not in the habit of holding a ring of hands like a posey circle, "We thank the Lord Christ for the food we be 'bout tae receive, may it nourish our body n' may we give homage with our souls, in the name o' the Christ n' saints pray we, amen." He crossed himself, kissing the fingers after before opening his eyes to bare witness to the boar being carved. Cider was offered the children, that and a watered wine for Lindall, and the ale for himself. Ale was good for a mother he heard in the production of milk, but it depended on the midwife weather she drank it, or only a little, or no spirits at all. He regarded the small ones again before looking to their sister, "How have ye found the stay here o' yer brothers and sisters, young lady?" (d)


Lady Lindall McDonald

They all bowed their heads as he prayed over the food all three children clasping their hands beneath their chins, and Lindall bowing her head in deep appreciation for the words lifted to the Heavenly father.. and could not help the smile of love and affection that was cast toward her husband as she lifted her eyes as he spoke Amen.. it was a look that spoke volumes of the woman she was.. " I am well husband, the Midwife assures me All is well.. " she nodded soflty, a habit she had when she tried to lighten the burden of others with comforting words.. had he ever noticed this..? When he turned his question to Lily, her eyes moved to the 12 year old girl, to see how she handled adressing the Lord of the Isle..

Lily McSween


The Dark haired girl attired in a dark mourning colors lifted dark eyes to the Lord of the Isle. "I have found the Lady and your household most wonderful.. Your Majesty " there was no guile there as she tried to find the words she though were respectful and correct.. after all did not the folk in the fishing village referr to him as the King of the Isle.. " I only wish I could repay the kindness Your Lady has shone to my mother and my brother and sister.. she is most kind and goodhearted.. " she added.. laying her fork aside as it was rude to even hold up implements while royalty spoke to you.. or so she thought (d)

Lord Dublain McDonald

"No need for tha' , young lady, merely M'Laird will dae." He didn't laugh at her in a complete sense, but he did find cause to smile a little. "Our Majesties live across the water just yon n' the castle facin the mountains, we are here by their good grace. The Lady McDonald is all tha' ye say, n' the payment can be had by livin' well n' rememberin such as was given. Eat yer supper served ye so it cools not." He lifted his knife to spear an end of the boar's meat to push it gently in his mouth. Forks were on the table but men at as they were most comfortable. Knives, spoons, good sipping habits and cleaning ones fingers in the water bowl and not on the linen. "Aye, all is well as the midwife says but ye ought give her no cause tae think other wise, it would please me marvelous much Lindall if ye would allow the housekeep tae their tasks, n' ye tae a bit more rest and light tasks, it is well deserved." He emphasized what would please him while issuing no diret command. Indeed, he did notice she wished to beno trouble, but the trouble's lack would see her worked to an early grave. (d)

Lady Lindall McDonald

Lindall smiled at Lily's response, and could not help but find merriment in the title of Majesty directed at her husband, but even more so the pall over the table was lifted with his smile.. and direction the children should eat before their meal got cold.. a delicate hand reached out to lay across the back of his and squeeze gently.. before removing it to lift her glass and sip. " I will try in all ways to please you husband.. but I am afriad I am what I am.. and cannot change so quickly with the wind.. I'm used to tending my own household, but I will try to amend my ways " emerald hues were lifted to her husbands face, and showed that she did indeed wish to please him, but that she was her own woman as well.. there would likely be many a feud between them despite the love she bore him..

to be continued

[Lord Dublain McDonald]

Since the supper, and the fall, more things have changed since the marriage of Lindall and Dublain. Now with the coming of winter we are privy to new views..


Lord McDonald

The fall turned to the Winter in the castle by the sea. In it, old stone was holding the full breathe of the North Wind if it was made hollow, translating the voice of ancient souls come to settle again in a time when nothing should grow. Nothing, that was, except life which went on undaunted by rhyme or reason. Dublain McDonald had a view winter come to his life long ago. With every piece hacked off of his bone, with every piece of his flesh torn away, with every drop of his blood the loss was enough to take the same ancient stones of his family, moved by those with his name, to place around his heart. It did not mean though that even as he had moved from Armadale to Raasay, that even as he had to look on his defeat with forced pragmatism hope had left him. God, seeing in all his wisdom the backwards way a forthright man lived gave to him things he had never thought to need. Never thought to have. "M'Laird a messanger comes!" "What be the message, speak, but nay loudly..we must nay disturb the slumber o' the young heir.." If with Lindall he was taken of longer to realize a feeling, with the child from her womb it seemed that in an instant he saw all the world renewed, grasped in the innocent little hands. He had no qualm of holding the babe to spare mother or nurse's arm. Why, the child did not even mind the limp his step held and he seemed comforted by the odd rhythm, lulled by it even in the gait. "Her Majesty, at his Majesty's pleasure, has summoned a winter court and requests the presence of yourself and your household if health allows for such. Her Majesty sends word of good health to your lady wife, blessings to you at the birth of the son, and many good tidings for this time of the year." Dublain looked down to the boy, "One day, ye may make such decision fer yer house, for now it is safe with me.." The messanger would be baffled as he reported to his fellows that the gray haired beast of the Dun Darroch dungeons, the one eyed malestrom, seemed as if ten years had lifted from him! "Ye may tell their majesties as soon as preparation be finished n' the midwife approves we shall join the court n' make merry! I should like much tae present the Lady McDonald, n' m'household fine." Was it not so? Women were not so bad...bringing with them better tapestries, clean floors, and constantly warm fires. Why, he had even taken to hunting! "N' m'son, the young laird McDonald. Go too, to the kitchen with ye sir! Have the cook give ye sup, n' good drink and toast you to my health and I tae yours." No, the world had not gone mad. Changed, but not mad. After the upsets of the year, it could be said the blood of the dying had made a growth before spring in their living relatives. Many a quandry still waited to be solved, yes, many things still haunting around cornes but he had a light to shine on them now. Why, he had even softened toward the fosterlings alleged of Carver, sending them not away even as the snows began to fall. In fact, whispers abounded that he had taken great pains of his visiting relatives in secret, non privy yet for no arrangement reached. None knew if he would e'er acknowledge them as kindred, but they were treated no less than. Was it to please his wife? Perhaps. Whatever it had been..peace descended at last (d)


Lady McDonald

Lindall had come into the room smiling in her soft gentle way at the sight of her husband and son, pacing back and forth before the fire.. had not she known for a fact, she would thing Dublain his blood father, for no greater love she was sure, a father could have for his son.. following closely behind her was Caitlyn, who seemed her shadow these days, while Conner and Lily took lessons in the library with a tutor. Lindall was intent in seeing their education brought up to snuff so to say, readying them for the eventaul move to the Academy for Shyvonne to oversee their formal education. Both Children were bright and eager to learn but had never had oppurunity to go to school formally. The little blond girl wrapped her hands in the green velevet of Lindalls skirt, before running toward Dublin with little hands upturned.. " Me hold baby?" she asked in the way toddlers had of expressing themsleves, a cherubic face indeed with cornflower blue hues shown up at him in question, of course for her to hold the infant would require his help, and his lap for the toddler. " Mmmmmm we have a messenger?" she watched as he left the room in serch of the kitchen and a meal.. " News from the Big Isle?" she question, curiosity evident on her face as she leaned up to kiss her husband on the cheek softly and to peer at the newborn in his arms, still sleeping soundsly (d)


Lord McDonald

He did not see a difference or remember that this was the seed of a man buried in the ground, that he had taken his widow before even three months had passed in an accord. He did not see that there was anything less than love. God had made them McDonalds, and so they were. McGregors, yes, but also McDonalds. He had no mind even if the boy was named for a man who had gone, for he thanked the man for siring him. Dublain had no cause to worry if he could beget sons on a bride who came with one! So went the jest when he held her in the night, not relegating her to her own chambers. How strange, the maids and pages said, for a wife to be with the husband so soon after birth, for a man to listen to the cries of an infant without complaining! Dublain had never been any man's regularity. He gave a cant of head to the children, a bit of a smile surfacing even toward Lily whom as Lindall did denote, was filled with vim and vigor. It would be Lindall who insisted that Lily, too need be educated. It was still years yet, he thought, for toddlers to be given unto her sister, and in that time did not Lily have much to catch up on as well? There would need be lessons in woman's matters, as well as the formal chance to increase her knowledge of books. The young woman might have found it hard, claiming age was against her, but if age was against any only to relent with patience it was the man who allowed her to stay. Being twelve, her majority was not many years away. Whether she married young as Tradition allowed or later as the new ways settled, she would need something as Dublain put it 'between her ears' as most ladies had these days. Daunting as it appeared, he would have Lily with no less than a tutor who could make a way for the girl to learn French in as much as read, write, and count. Of the youngest of them, he could not tell why he studied her so. Maybe it was in her he tried to unlock the lingering doubts of parentage he would have. Looks were one thing , but the years would reveal the definite. A part of him perhaps wished if they were McDonalds that they escape some of those traits in as much as they would reveal them to be tride and true. "He sleeps," he told Caitlyn, "But I tell ye wot nay. Let him tae linger a little with me, and then ye may have him next. Is it a bargain my lady? patience is a good thing. St. Nicholas' time is nay far off ye know. More gifts fer ye shoe from him n' his helper wot bring tae good, Godly children." He touched her head, letting the hair slide through his figners before answering his wife after affection bestowed. "Aye, news from the neighbor." Not that it took long to deliver. Often they were the first to know things, but winter can slow even the quickest oars in a rowboat. "Winter court has been summoned. A grand tradition o' a new throne. Ah have nay e'er heard o' a convenin' o' this court save fer some occasion er meetin..ne'er tae revel taegether. There shall be all matter o' festivity n' merry making. N' matters tae see, people tae be seen Ah wager. I told the messenger when the midwife says ye are fit tae travel we shall make preperation tae settle in Turas Lan fer the winter, it is nay hard tae dae, we may e'en come home time n' again as the occasion pleases. But..the Queen's command, the queen's pleasure. A fine chance tae present the newness o' our household must nay gae unnoticed." Business was never far from his mind, but he was proud in what he had to show. "I suppose this means, young Lily, tha' ye may show a little of the Lady's and your tutors teachin's already. I suspect tha' a Broadford lass can hold her own with the other young ladies o' the court. Wot say ye? I suspect it will mean we must turn out a coin or ten," He grinned down at Caitlyn, "Fer new dresses fer the women, such as yerself, and new tunics fer the men. Livery fer the household. I hear within a few days time there shall be sledding, I have ne'e rheard o' such with the new sleighs an inventor is said tae have made for their majesties, they keep odd habits." At any rate he kissed his wife's forehead, "Can't be any stranger than an old man wot lives with such youth n' beauty afterall. Wot say ye hmm? Unless new gowns n' pagentry n' revels displease ye." he seemed..oddly..quite happy to make a go of it! Mirth crept down in his bones to live along with the constant pains, which oddly too, seemed not so much (d)

Lady McDonald

Caitlyn nodded sagely at the pact of waiting until the baby woke to hold him, she adored the little creature and seemed ever present near Lindall, so much so that one would think she was Lindall shadow.. Lily looked absoulutly in awe at being taken to Court and the thought of dresses and parties dancing and all sorts of festivities.. already she and her siblings have been treated and given better than she could have ever dreamed by Dublain and Lindall and now they were to be taken to court.. it was a young girls dream.. and her eyes moved to Lindall for comformation that they would go when Dublain asked his wife if she wished to go.. seeing the girls excitement Lindall chose to hold her tounge a moment in teasing Lily lightly... " OHhhh ok I guess we could make and apperance Husband.. thought I much prefer your company and that of the children to any stuff old court.. I won't deny you the right to parade your family about.. your such a peacoke! " she teased him looking down at the baby in his arms.. " After all I think the King might be intrested in the child that bears his name don't you? " She grinned.. they had agreed to the name she had wished.. Gregor..Adam McDonald.. a bleanding of her Family Name.. the King who had seen fit to Free her beloved husband.. and Dublains last name, as he took the child both to his heart and legally as his own.. (d)


Lord McDonald

"Aye, Gregor Adam McDonald, little Lord Gregor, mind ye.." That he whispered in reverant awe. He had come to appreciate the presence of life in his house, but there was something undeniable about the fact he had witnessed the birth of renewal in this house, in this island, from Lindall's womb. "He collects namesakes ye know," the man teased of his majesty to the company, "How many children dae ye think bare the name o' Adam since his restoration? I dare say we will here nay end tae Rarui or McRauri next. Tha' would nay be tae unpleasin." What was once cause for Vendetta among kin was now a paltry joke the Lord McDonald exchanged in writ with the King of his Rauri roots, thus a McDonald relation of yore. At least, said Dublain one day in Autumn, the McDonalds have thus returned to throne by some accord. Rauri or otherwise. He reached out a hand to brush her face, "Ah'm hardly a peacoke, but have heard there are some in menageries now o' the true peacokes. Raasay is nay tha' large," He could not imagine peacokes in his own garden (having a garden still was a feat of brilliance."It shall be sae then! Young Ryan, come, I have ye news tae relay. Ryan! Ah there now.." He had hissed in his whisper, not willing to awaken Gregor and improving on Ryan's sense of hearing. "Aye sir, what should I be tellin Mistress Agatha," "Ye should be callin her by her family name, nay her Christian once ye are about the people again..but we shall let it gae." Passed infractions? He would pass the baby to its mother before looking to the young boy who had not given a wink to serving him when he was kept in rooms, nor to his elder companion who happily saw to whatever it was Lindall desired. Lindall filled the house with new servants aplenty, but these two were his only request. "Tell ye our chatalain tae send tae the isle fer seamstress n' tailor, tae bring with them things already done as young ladies n' lairds may have now, n' fabric fer the lady o' the house tae pick through with the chatalin for attirin the women n' men thusly. Tell the servants tae gather livery. The elder ones will know how tae assis tthe young with colors. (thank you, it should be that Lily he sent for the french tutor, not caitlyn. I'll make sure to change that) Tell the eldest among the grooms tae look for my father's banner, see it cleaned n' mended. be over the moon. While he could hardly see the point Agatha had no end to alove of pagentry. Oh she had her likes, her dislikes, and her hatreds among the betters but she loved to see all the heraldy go by. "Well now, tha' shall cause an outright stir. I have also news tae tell ye all from Broadford. Ah here it is rebuildin' well. Slow but well, it will take time ye see. At any rate the McSween chieftain sends his greetings n' thanks fer the care o' the young ones which bare the name and is pleased at their stay thus far." !

[Lord Dublain McDonald]

Lady McDonald

Lindall took the sleeping child from her husband as he explained the jist of both messengers, setteling in a rocking chair near the hearth while, Lily and Caitlyn settled near, Lily aglow with thoughts of the winter season at court, and Caitlyn still patiently waiting her turn to hold the baby.. the toddlers leaned against Lindall's knee watching the baby's every move, she was fascinated no doubt by the little miricle, just like everyone at the keep seemed to be including Gregors parents. it seemed as the little Lord of the Isle had indeed brought a peace and calmness to the household that had been aforeto lacking, or perhaps it was a combination of mother and child and the love between husband and wife.. the beauty and beast, lion and lamb.. though few but Dublain questioned the belief that Lindall was anything less than lioness... when cornered or set about a path she did not believe in. There was fire in those summer green hues, and a deep passion there. A breast was offered to the waking infant , sweet creamy flesh tipped with rosy pink, now suckled heartily within her sons cherubic lips.. just then Conner the energetic four year old burst into the room.. " En Guarde... " he challegedlilly waving a wooden rapier.. it seemed his fencing lesson had ended (d)


Lord Mcdonald

"Good eventide, m'laird. Stand down, the war is nay about when Gregor is about.." Rapiers. It was a sign of changing times, weapons that were indeed baned in portions of Europe while thriving in others. Light, flexible. The sign of the lordly class, the well monied and ambitioned. When he said once years ago they were the preference of men who preferred quicker ends to hard means he would never know how right he proved. It was said that one house on the island bestowed its guardsmen with rapiers instead thicker swords. "Was it a good lesson?" He settled himself down in the chair opposite Lindall, one of his stoic assortments that like the home couldn't be changed from the out Set In Her The fire's height seemed to touch the mantle piece and warm it all. He would have slept, if it were his old life. Now he settled in to the strange thing called peace. (d)


Connor McSween and Lady McDonald

"Aye Lord McDonald it was a fine Lesson.. I learned the art of the pary" the rapier was lowered at Dublains command to disarm.. and the four year old warrior peeked at the wee one who nursed noisily cooing and gurgling happily at his mothers breast.. " Soo Gregor will have his own sword and take lessons too " he smiled at the baby, he too seemed infatuated with the infant.. Lindall looked over at her husband, so protective over Gregor, from even the smallest threat.. each night, when the baby would stir and cry he would rock and still him, allowing his wife blessed sleep to heal from the rigors of birth.. Although the birth had been easy by the days standards and nothing out of the ordinary, Lindall had still bore much for the year and the bit of coddleing had done her well.. Now some 8 weeks after Gregors birth.. she seemed hale and hearty and ready to rejoin the world as a woman, and a wife. (d)




Lord McDonald


"Was tha' sae, taemorrow ye will have to show me this pary. It seems an art for the young." He crossed his longer leg over the short in order it might rest on the floor. Infront of him was a sight he never thought to see nor one he would send away. Gregor partaking of mother's milk. Why, even Connor wasn't so unwelcomed that it blinded him to the sweetness. "When he is of age he will have a sword n' other such things, but fer now he needs only his mothers teet, n' good things. Ye seem old enough for sword o' wood. Dae ye know if ye practice hard, young man, by the age o' seven ye might yet progress e'en further tae a sturdier one." What was this? he roared at his wife for bringing this child, filfthy and motherless, full of intrigue in his wake in to their home. Now he talked as if the boy might never be far away. "Lily, will ye be sae kind as tae take yer sister n' brother with ye for a little? Pass the time with a story, till supper. There be somethin I wish tae tell the lady." (d)


Lady McDonald

Lily stood and motioned for the other two McSween Children to join her.. each stopping at Lindalls side and kissing her sweetly on her cheek before bobbin a curtsy to Dublain, Conner bowed to them both and without a second thought Caitlyn moved to Kiss Lindall softly whispering " I'll hold the baby later okay ?" then bounded toward Dublain and smacked a loud childish kiss on his cheek.. then ruffled his long greying hair before bounding after Lily and Conner... the door closed behind them leaving the small family cocooned in the warmth of the small sitting room, with it's cheerful hearth and decorated tree. Evergreen swags and bows decorated the mantle filled with candles and precious blown glass ornament brought over from Mirrolon.. Lindall waved to the trio as they dissipeared, before lifting little Gregor from one breast to the other.. a smile on her face as he settled and latched on, before her eyes lifted to her husband.. " And what was such a secret that the children need be sent away?" (d)


Lord McDonald

Dublain had Mistress McHugh take leave with the packed items in the little places forgotten in the castle by the sea. From them came his mother's tapestries of Christmastide Mass, and a little folding scene of the birth painted in to wood on a tiny folding screen. Candles were lit every night between the bows on the yuletide tree. "It seems wot a man must dae tae have his wife tae his lonsome, save for the small one wot must feast from her. Ah've learned tae share," wry grin lit his features, his face still with signs of laughter in the skin from his hair ruffled. He smoothed it out as he spoke low, "The Chieftain o' McSween also sends his thanks n' prayers tae the birth o' the son n' the woman tha' bore him, for she called for the children to stay." He had told a man that much alone? The noteworthy portions were yet to come "N between us two, it is said tha' by the time the children are prepared to settle within a household for such a fosterage..now, I know they shall attend school with your sister, n' be wise for it. It was nay done when I was a boy but times are nay the same, still, wot they may gain after some years o' education tae then be put tae use with a worldly example. The children when each at their age, will have a place in a household as they stay in now, tae serve the lord n' lady o' tha' house n' thus learn more. Connor when he is of age would be squired, Caitlyn would learn a turn at bein' a fine lady. I am thinkin ye may agree tae nay leave them sae many years in the academy sae they may have equal between tha' and a house. In my writings tae Keppoch n' Glencoe, there are equal such offers there." Among the McDonalds as well? He toed a fine line "Now, Lily. She is older than her brothers n' sisters. Think ye tae send her tae school first or them taegether? She will be o' age tae be a woman then if wait tae long. I know their mother has only passed n' taegether they should remain perhaps until spring or the middle o' spring..ye may consider a place for her for summer and fall, and home again for the yuletide. Ah'm nay tryin tae force a hand, lindall, but tae have a true chance, they must have all chances. Tools with which they may survive in this world. They will find serpents mong the lilies sooner rather than later, n' if they must be cared for I should like tae see, in some way tha' it is tae the fullest extent. As if they were relations o' ours turned out from the household they were reared in since birth." (d)


Lady McDonald

"Connor will be five in the spring, Chloes' sone Robin started at the Acadamy at the same age, and Chloe writes that Iains sone Alex and Duncan as well will be there for the winter session, and my cousins that are in keeping with Mirrolon are childless and willing to take all three and give them a home there..." her voice faltered a bit.." Though in all honestly I have enjoyed them here.. it's like having a big family, I admit I have grown fond of them all and would not be... opposed to having Caitlyn here while Lily and Conner are away at school..." her fingers soothed Gregors cheek soflty " I agree that they need be given every opportunity.. in both education and society.. and yet I know your opposition to there residing here and understand your reasons.. but you have to admit.. those kisses and hugs are really priceless.." she smiled softly up at her husband... " Speaking of which... I have news for you to husband..." there was a twinkle in her eye as she lifted the baby from her breast and pressed him over her shoulder and begin to pat his back to burp him... " I had my examination with the midwife today and she has said that I am completely healed and ready to return to your bed.. " she smirked soflty.. " She was quite shocked when I said I had yet to leave it.. though I think she meant for things other than sleeping " (d)



Lord McDonald



"Aye, five is a comely age. The highest households sacrifice their lads at five tae the lady o' the house fer lessons until seven but I believe tha' he would thrive in this new way, plenty o' lads about him. Ye will tell yer sister if it please her tae see he is given a good education in Latin, tis still the language o' Europe, n' French?" It would be like telling the sun when to Rise, Shyvonne to provide what she already did so well, but that he offered any suggestion was that he had prayed long in the chapel when his day was delayed. "The little girl will have time longer tae be in a home, movin' her from ye may upset her. Ah have given thought, Lindall, tae sendin' them all back tae Broadford," he admitted, rubbing at his temple "But tae wot ends? They will be finished rebuildin after the year turns when tis near spring, tryin tae plant crops n' plan them, some comin tae winter court for the turn o' the year n' where would it leave them but nay properly cared for? Nay tha' the clan wot name they hold would nay love them, I merely did nay know how harshly..n' how long Carver had dealings. He got tae them afore we thought o' it. Afore..e'en wot sins we saw he commited. There is assembly in the clan, eldest sons are dead, second eldest ones are mendin. The old..made infirm. It would be cruel tae send them tae see tha', tae have them meet their kin in tha' matter. Carver would leave such lot behind. Did nay choke him sooner." He growled then looked to Gregor, softening. He stood up, kissed Lindall's forehead, and walked. Without his cane or forced stiffening he bore the price of sons' sins and war. "It is a price now with a babe tae see. can nay be paid lest when he comes tae the age o' Connor. Aye me. Wot has been held o' Robin's head should be o'er the head o' no boy. We can nay say..who or wot they be..nay yet. The risk tae us is tae great if we dae. And tae them, but, in the very least, providin it will adhere the McSween tae our side, take the McSween from all harshness thus nay harsh light on them tae be seen as lost foundlins cared for as their kin emigrated tae Raasay. It is precarious, Lindall. But, we may make the best o' it for them. They are..good souls." He would not melt under their kisses, not yet, but he did thaw (d)


Lady McDonald

She saw the thaw and appreciated it for what it was, she would not tease or make light of such a thing, for a glacier ancient and frozen solid, to now be awakening to love and light it was a wonderous thing this thaw, and not a thing this wife would change for all the world.. At times her husband could be cool and harsh, but always he was fair and thoughtful in his dealings, in loving him these were things she accepted of him, and with her love and soft nudging, she was sure they would make the decisions best for all parties.. " I know it is important to have the McSweens as allies, and these children represent a real threat, to us and our children, Gregor and the ones we will have in the future God Willing... but.. you are right, they are good souls, sweet children.. and I cannot help but love them and I daresay.. they love us as well... " she chuckled as Gregor burped loudly twice before she returned him to her breast... to finish his meal.. Her brow raised when her husband failed to take note of her own news and she looked down at her son pressing a kiss to his down covered head, cinnamon locks shielding her face at the movement for a moment. (d)


Lord McDonald

"Aye, these things are important. However the children were born, n' tae whomever. Tis nay their fault. O' all things we should know this year past it is wot idiot falacy are placed on things tha' can nay be changed..." He looked down in to his hands then to her. "Wot be wrong?" he asked, wondering what it was. He went over to her "Is there somewot wrong with ye or the babe, ye've gone quiet.." Lord McDonald. So acute to the ways of man's world yet so delayed still to subtle hints. In the early weeks
Set In Her Way [9:18 P.M.]: when it was only them he understood, but now he fathomed the futures of not only the bairin in his wife's arm, but three children whom could face waves of hell for being a man's son. He wished he couldn't prove it. He wished things were simpler. He wished in his own way he did not care for them as much as he knew he did, yet still none were higher than the golden child and madonna. "Ahh," the realization of what he missed came round to hit him, making him laugh a little " patience. Patience with the child on yer teet n' patience with a man who fathoms poorly obvious ways" (d)


Lady McDonald

"I thought it would be welcome news to you, but I was also warned by a many a wife here, that once a woman is a mother, a mans passion wanes, he sees her not so much a woman as she used to be.." there was a blunt honesty between them, no games nor trickery, both to honest and selfless to spend time playing at love games when real love was the gift between them.. yet for all her earthy common sense, Lindall was still a woman, with a woman's frailties and fears, and a body still recovering from months of baraging hormones, the ups and downs of birth and a household new with four children... and a new marriage that was still untried ... as a woman who was not carrying a child.. While her body had returned to close to it's former self, it was not the perfected body of a woman who had not been stretched and bore a child.. and she worried over her husbands passions for her.. silly but true enough (d)


Lord McDonald

"A woman is a woman, a mother or nay. How her lord n' husband seeks tae enjoy each stature is left tae his disternin'. As for m'self I wish tae tell ye tha' I find ye still beautiful." He laughed the one he used when he found her to be silly but never discouraged her thinking, finding a balance of soothing a woman while never understanding why the world couldn't be simpler, "Would nay have yer husband sent ye tae yer own chambers with the bairin if Ah was displeased with either him or yerself? Lady McDonald, ye are fetchin tae the likes o' me, n' were round with Gregor, why would I nay find ye fetchin without gregor within?" He crossed his arms over the edge of her chair. "We have much here, ye n' I. God is tryin' our resolve, but we will come through it." (d)


Lady McDonald

She leaned foreward and smiled soflty " Oh how I've missed you... in all ways " there was a certain light in her eye, that of a new bride, not a mother or a widowed woman..." A slight lean and she pressed her lips to his... " Have I told you today how much I love you...?" she purred against his lips, for one so plain and overlooked she had her moments where she could be a siren for this Captain..(D)


Lord McDonald

"In all ways?" He read the eye light being closer now, returning it with a hint of a growl as he leaned in to kiss her cheek, pay heed to the shell of her ear. Ah, just there. "How much dae ye love me then?" He teased her, smiling down as he caressed Gregor's head. "Is it as much as I love ye?" (d)


Lady McDonald

"Much more, shall I show you tonight after dinner?" she shivered as his growl reverberated over her ear.. " Or perhaps before? " she looked downward at her son now sleeping soundly at her breast.. " I think he should sleep a good while now full " her unoccupied hand reached up to run her fingers thru his hair, and down the nape of his neck teasing gently with a scratch of fingernails... " I love you more than the gains of sand on every beach, and at the bottom of all the oceans.. tis that enough to sastify you my love ?"(d)


Lord McDonald

"Mm, either time be temptin but after dinner when the young are tae bed or their own tasks, when we may retire early? Ah think tha' shall be a fine time." He leaned in to her touch, forehead to forehead. A sage nod followed as he kissed her with all the love she expressed. "Ah'm satisified greatly Lindall. Very pleased with yer form, your figure. Pleased with all ye have done thus far. A very fine wife you have been, more than tae any man's name a good credit given. (d)